On December 14-15, 2023, LEX4BIO results were presented at the “4th International Conference “Strategies Toward Green Deal Implementation – Water, Raw Materials & Energy,” organised by the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The conference was held virtually and gathered over 500 participants. The audience included students, PhD candidates, scientists and researchers from all over the world – Poland, Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, Georgia, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Greece, Egypt, Algeria, Thailand, and Pakistan, among others.

The aim of the conference was to address the issue of climate change and explore preventive measures, including innovative technological, environmental, economic and social solutions that align with the Green Deal Strategy.

LEX4BIO presentation, entitled “Analysing the drivers and barriers to bio-based fertiliser (BBFs) adoption in farming practices – Polish case study”, was produced by partners Magdalena Andrunik, Dominika Szołdrowska, Paulina Marcinek, and Marzena Smol, all members of the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences.

LEX4BIO project partner Magdalena Andrunik during the “Sustainable Development Goals Part I” session.

The presented study conducts a thorough analysis of factors influencing the adoption of bio-based fertilisers (BBFs) in farming practices in Poland, considering the global push for sustainability in agriculture. Through a survey across all 16 voivodeships in Poland, the research identifies key drivers for BBFs usage. These include their positive impact on soil health, pH regulation, water and nutrient retention, and support for soil microorganism growth. Factors, such as the recognition of BBFs as a sustainable fertilisation method, increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products, and legal constraints on chemical fertilisers contribute to this positive trend.

However, the study showcased some challenges like high application costs, concerns about consumer acceptance, limited availability and environmental worries that impede widespread adoption. The findings suggest the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, providing valuable insights for customer outreach, policy development and educational initiatives. To address the identified drivers and barriers, the research supports the creation of a resilient agricultural system that minimises environmental impact and enhances resource efficiency.

We are delighted to announce that the presentation of the results from the LEX4BIO project has been recognized as the best in this session, along with Marco Giannini’s.

More about the conference:  https://www.greendeal-conference.eu/